Charlotte Lamb, a fallen vicar's daughter, hopes to secret herself away in London's grim Milkweed Manor. But once there,she is mortified to find herself in the care of a former suitor, a physician whom her father long ago rejected as unsuitable, a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God's help, to protect those they love. But neither could guess the depth of sacrifice that will be required of them.

Lady of Milkweed Manor Discussion Questions: by Julie Klassen

1. After reading Lady of Milkweed Manor, do you view the foundling hospital “turn” as a compassionate practice, or one that was too easy on fallen ladies?

2. Was the topic of wet-nursing new to you? What surprised you about its history and practice? How would you have felt about having a stranger living in your home, nursing your infant for you?

3. Did you learn anything new about milkweeds or monarch butterflies? How did you feel about the imagery in this novel and epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter?

4. Reverend Lamb remained unforgiving, but did you notice a possible act of compassion toward Charlotte? How would it feel to grow up without a father’s love and approval? How did Charlotte’s relationship with Daniel’s father serve to fill this hole in her life?

5. How is the historical “puerperal insanity” Daniel’s wife suffered from similar to or different from modern postpartum depression? Have you or someone you know suffered from this very real condition?

6. In the early 1800s there was much competition among medical practitioners for the delivery of infants (physicians, midwives, accoucheurs). Does this same competition exist today? Is competition in this field beneficial, or not?

7. It is much more common (and economically feasible) for a single mother to raise a child on her own today than it was in the 1800s. Faced with Charlotte’s decision for the future of her infant son, what do you think you would you have done?

8. Which of Charlotte’s various suitors throughout the novel did you like most? Would you have made the same choice Charlotte did?

9. Did the revelations about the character’s lives in the final chapter and epilogue surprise you? Were you satisfied with the ending?

10. How would you describe the book’s theme or message? What effect did the book have on you?